Baumhauerite is a rare lead arsenic sulfosalt often found as distinct, metallic, tabular crystals within dolomitic marble. It is most famous from the Binn Valley locality in Switzerland, where it occurs in association with various other complex sulfosalt minerals.
Is this baumhauerite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch baumhauerite with a known reference. Baumhauerite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Baumhauerite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Baumhauerite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, grayish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, often striated.
Often confused with
Baumhauerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside baumhauerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with baumhauerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃As₄S₉
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 5.33 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Often Striated
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Dolomitic Marble Cavities
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size
Where rockhounds find baumhauerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lengenbach Quarry, Binn Valley, Switzerland
- Jas Roux, Hautes-Alpes, France
- Challacollo, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in dolomitic marble cavities country — that is the host setting where baumhauerite typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, orpiment, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, often striated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify baumhauerite?+
Where is baumhauerite found?+
How much is baumhauerite worth?+
Is baumhauerite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like baumhauerite?+
What minerals are found with baumhauerite?+
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Find baumhauerite on the map
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